What are the best practices for telecommunications professionals to improve their negotiation skills?

In an industry with marginal revenue growth in last 10 years and constant cost pressures, negotiation skills are especially relevant for telecom professionals. Every deal is a battlefield, and mastering the art of Plan A/Plan B is your secret weapon. Think of it like a chess match. Before the clock starts ticking, you map out your winning move (Plan A) and your defensive counter (Plan B), so you know what victory looks like, and your escape route if things get dicey. But the game doesn't end with the first move. High-stakes negotiation is like a marathon, not a sprint. Each step is a chance to read the opponent's signals, and adjust your strategy. Plan A or B, always be a master observer, picking up on subtle cues for your next move.

A. Continuous Learning: Seek feedback, learn from experiences, and continuously refine your negotiation skills. Attend workshops, read books, and learn from successful negotiators to improve your techniques. B. Document and Follow Up: Ensure all negotiated terms and agreements are documented clearly. Follow up promptly and fulfill commitments made during negotiations. This builds credibility and trust for future interactions. C. Negotiation Role-Play: Practice negotiation scenarios through role-plays or simulations. This helps hone your skills and allows you to experiment with different strategies in a controlled environment. D. Flexibility and Adaptability: Be flexible and adaptable during negotiations.

Negotiation is a skill often honed through practical experience rather than formal instruction. However, it's beneficial to undertake some preparation before entering negotiations: - Investigate the background of the individuals on the opposing side. - Establish clear closing boundaries in advance. - Be prepared for unforeseen circumstances.

Research to the circumstances and opposition has always helped people from the ancient ages. Modern day negotiation is not different it same just the way researches are done has changed. Use all your resources to get the maximum information and then set a mind map to drive the negotiation. It helps!

Rapport building over telephone can present more challenges than in person because body language, cues, gestures etc are absent. This means things like active listening and tonality become even more important.

No strategy in the universe is successful unless its well executed. When we talk about a successful negotiation, effective communication is the key strategy. so if you cannot execute your skill via an effective communication, you lost it. some basic tips for effective communication - active listening -add personalized touch -add emotional aspects -be confident in your approach and many more. in summary communication is key in negotiation business.

When negotiating via telephone, remember that non-verbal cues, which are crucial for communication, are absent this is combination of people having the tendency to dive directly into business matters, leading to a potentially competitive atmosphere. To mitigate this, I always advise my clients to begin conversations with light small talk. This helps establish a connection and rapport with the other party, creating a more collaborative negotiation environment.